Integrated international molecular databases in monitoring the emergence and spread of infection

Abstract number: P2230

Dallman T.J., Green J., Gnaneshan S., Myers R.

Objectives: Integrated molecular databases associated with Dedicated (disease specific) Surveillance Networks (DSNs) can fulfil a pivotal role in tracking the spread of infectious diseases. The Health Protection Agency hosts a wide range of molecular typing databases as components of National or International Surveillance Networks. Here we describe three infectious disease resources from the international DSNs associated with; diphtheria (DIPNET), rotavirus (EUROROTA) and hepatitis B (HepSEQ) and identify key elements in successfully establishing and implementing them.

Methods: On-line, integrated databases were established providing a central portal for the submission and integration of disparate data types. These included clinical data (e.g. serology), demographic data (e.g. country of infection, sex, age), epidemiological data (e.g. transmission route, outbreaks) and molecular data (e.g. nucleotide and protein sequences, mutation information). On-line databases allowed the storage of this data in a robust, highly structured way that can be updated, accessed and queried from any location in real time. A number of technical and non-technical issues impact on the success of these resources. Through the projects described we have analysed and identified the key elements impacting on the successful development of an online resource.

Results: The foundation of integrated online DSNs, as well as facilitating the amalgamation of disparate data types also requires the development of computational tools to query and display the data. DIPNET and HeqSEQ provide the ability for users to determine the genotype of their isolate through the automated interrogation of ribotype profiles and nucleotide sequences respectively. EUROROTA enables the construction of graphical representations of integrated epidemiological and molecular data further underpinned by demographic data.

Conclusions: Global approaches including the establishment of international laboratory-based surveillance networks are imperative for the control of emerging and established infectious diseases. A network of reference microbiological laboratories with similar technological capabilities and molecular typing methods are required to allow the coordination of surveillance activities and the standardisation of methodologies and protocols. Efficient disease surveillance requires the collection and integration of disparate data types which can then be utilised to provide enhanced disease surveillance.

Session Details

Date:

19/04/2008

Time:

00:00-00:00

Session name:

18th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases